Extra Info:
This is a hitching post in front of a southern US plantation house that belonged to a planter/slave holder in the 1800s. Posts like these and also cast iron black jockeys adorned many southern lawns well into the latter half of the 20th century.

9 comments on this entry

Log in toadd a comment

Franz07Aug 30, 2012

Stunningly beautiful but gothic and frightening in the same time.

mrsawyerAug 27, 2012

Well spake, Jade O.

Jade O.Aug 27, 2012

No offense. It is real and it is a historical reality sensitively presented. The photo tells the story with the classic elevation of the southern plantation house in the background. To forget the past is to be in danger of repeating it. (But having lived the ugly side of blind prejudice applied to someone you love, it can leave its mark in a way few things can.)

Comments After End of ChallengeComments During Voting

MepoAug 27, 2012

I love this shot but am a bit disturbed by it. Although I guess it is good to keep some museum pieces like this as a reminder of our lack of sensitivity - hopefully in the past. Love the photo and am happy you did not overdo the HDR. Excellent choice of focus too.

mrsawyerAug 27, 2012

steven, forkcandles, raf - thanks for complements. I had to visit this place twice to get this shot right.

Jade - When my wife saw this, she said it might offend some people. I was only concerned with documenting the past and didn't consider that some may be offended. "Disturbing", I expected! What was more disturbing to me is that there is a company in the US that still sells hitching posts made to look like black jockeys. I was going to post a link to them, but didn't want to give them publicity.

Jade O.Aug 25, 2012

Very....disturbing?

rafinmelbAug 25, 2012

Depth of field handled well and placement of items balances nicely

forkcandles Aug 24, 2012

sad reminders of a past age. hope we remember the dark days of slavery and forced labour. the dof makes the head stand out with a nice balanced background

Steven SobelAug 24, 2012

This is the kind of HDR that I like, balanced levels and a natural look.